Justin Schultz named AHL Player of the Week

Photo: Edmonton Oilers prospect and Oklahoma City Barons' defenseman Justin Schultz is so far making the Oilers' move to sign Schultz look like a wise decision (courtesy of David Maxwell/Getty Images)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Oklahoma City Barons defenseman Justin Schultz has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 21, 2012.

The rookie defenseman tallied three goals, an assist and a plus-6 rating in two games last week.

Schultz was named the game’s first star in the Barons’ home opener on Friday night, scoring two shorthanded goals, assisting on the game-winning goal, recording six shots and compiling a plus-5 rating in Oklahoma City’s 5-2 victory over San Antonio. The next night, Schultz scored again and earned second-star honors in a 5-3 loss to Lake Erie.

Schultz, 22, signed as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers on June 30, 2012, after three seasons at the University of Wisconsin. Schultz was twice named the WCHA’s Defensive Player of the Year and was one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award in both 2010-11 and 2011-12. The native of West Kelowna, B.C., leads all AHL blueliners with four goals and is second with six points through four games with Oklahoma City this season.

In recognition of his achievement, Schultz will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Barons home game.